Proud head teachers have paid tribute to their star pupils after outstanding Standard Grade and Higher results were released.

The Lennox Herald revealed last week that the grades were West Dunbartonshire’s best ever and the head teachers have been quick to praise the youngsters.

Our Lady and St Patrick’s High School’s head teacher Charles Rooney highlighted the efforts of staff, pupils and parents after some excellent results for the Dumbarton school.

Sixty-three per cent of S5 pupils gained at least one Higher, with 39 per cent earning at least three and 20 per cent getting five or more.

Ninety-nine per cent of S4 youngsters achieved at least five Standard Grade awards, while the same figure gained English and maths qualifications. Forty-seven per cent got five or more credit grades.

And 59 per cent of pupils in S6 gained at least one Higher, with 40 per cent getting three or more and 27 per cent achieving a minimum of five. Mr Rooney said: “We are delighted with the performance of our students across the board.

“The figures are fantastic and we are very pleased that the pupils’ hard work is being recognised.

“As a school, we would also wish to thank the parents for the support that they give us.”

Vale of Leven Academy head teacher Catriona Robertson was delighted after the school improved in seven of 11 performance indicators.

Ninety-eight per cent of its S4 pupils achieved qualifications in English and mathematics while 96 per cent achieved at least five qualifications.

And the numbers of students attaining one or three Highers in S5, and those achieving at least one Advanced Higher in S6, rose.

Mrs Robertson said: “These results show that we are continuing to work very hard to raise attainment in Vale of Leven Academy. There were also outstanding individual results for many pupils. I would like to congratulate all these pupils for their achievements.

“I would like to thank all the parents for their support and all the pupils for their hard work. It has certainly paid off.

“Our school motto is ‘achieving together’. There is clear evidence that the partnership between pupils, parents and staff is paying off.”

Meanwhile, Dumbarton Academy head teacher Jacqui Lynam felt that the exam results were a fitting ending to the last exam diet to be held in the school’s old building.

Pupils are set to move into their new school tomorrow (Thursday) on a positive note after finding they had performed extremely well in their assessments.

The Academy achieved its best-ever set of S6 results, including a 27 per cent leap in the number of pupils gaining at least one Higher at band A-C.

Ms Lynam said: “As well as being a fitting way for the old school to bow out, it is also a really positive way to start the new term and life in the new school.

“Once again we are very delighted with how all the pupils have done. Our aim every year is to continue to raise the bar and do the best for our pupils.

“We need to thank the staff for their hard work throughout the year. Hopefully we will continue to do the best we can to improve the young people’s life chances.”